Jeff Seidel Obituary: Today I find myself again having to deal with the loss of a good friend and mentor. Jeff Seidel, who I’ve known for 40 years, was one of the people who taught me how to be a sportswriter. Those of us in the stringer (freelance sportswriter) community are a tight-knit group. There’s a lot of pressure on us sometimes, and you have to be able to take criticism of your work. I really struggled with that. Then I met Jeff. Jeff had a kean eye for sport. I remember at a Woodlawn game my junior year in high school, he told me that he could noticeably see the team improving. “It’s coming. Just watch.
Bit by bit, it’s coming.” The next year, Woodlawn went like 23-2 before losing in the state semifinals. He was a few years older (and about eight inches taller) than I was, so I always looked up to him. When I started writing, you couldn’t tell me a damn thing. After all, my dad had been a full-time sportswriter in another town, so I already knew everything, right? He sat me down and, in a very gentle way, told me that I wasn’t as smart as I though I was. He showed great patience with me, and he taught me not to take the criticism personal (which I still tend to do). He taught me to be a better writer and a better person. “Try it this way,” he’d say. “You can say the same thing, but in a lot less space.” He was right.
Jeff had been having some health issues related to cancer, but that is not what ultimately killed him (they think it was a heart attack, from what I hear). After he learned his diagnosis (colon cancer), we would talk on messenger late at night (because we were both night owls). I knew he was struggling with this, and I could tell how scared he was. I tried to help him with that. I told him to use all the resources available to him and to always continue to fight. This morning his fight ended. He passed away in a rehab hospital, and leaves a wonderful wife and two great kids behind.
To say I owe a lot to Jeff would be an understatement. He had a wicked sense of humor, and he used that to get through some tough things. I will remember those things as I try to deal with this. It really sucks that people my age (late 50’s) have to start saying goodbye to their friends this early, but I guess it’s all part of getting older. I’m having a tough time getting though this one, but I know the press box in heaven just gained a sharp-witted sportswriter, and a great friend. Rest in Peace, Jeff, and thanks for your mentoring… and your friendship. Save a recliner for me in front of the TV. You will be missed.
InsideEko is yet to confirm Jeff Seidel’s cause of death as no health issues or other causes of death have been learned to be associated with the passing.
Tributes To Jeff Seidel
Across social media users, timelines are statements that show respect, admiration, and gratitude towards Seidel people mourn the passing.
Saddened to hear news of the passing of long-time Baltimore Sports reporter, friend of the Baysox and mine, Jeff Seidel passed away. Jeff covered the Baysox for many news outlets over the last 20+ years and became a friend to so many within our organization including myself.
Here is a pic of Jeff and I holding a bottle of champagne celebrating the Baysox winning the 2015 Eastern League Championship. He was more excited for me and our long-time staff members to win the championship than he was for our players. RIP Jeff. You will be missed.
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